Modifying and formatting a chart using pictorially provided chart elements

ABSTRACT

A chart element representing a chart modification for a standard chart may be provided pictorially by a computing device. The standard chart may be modified using the chart element through the presentation of a first gallery representing a feature of the standard chart for possible modification. The feature may include a horizontal axis title and a vertical axis title. A selection of the vertical axis title for possible modification from the first gallery may be received. A set of visual representations of how the vertical axis title could be modified in a second gallery may then be presented. The visual representations may include options for not displaying an axis title and for displaying an axis title in a rotated orientation. One of the options may be selected to modify the standard chart. The modified chart may then be displayed by the computing device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/574,256, filed Oct. 6, 2009 and entitled“MODIFYING AND FORMATTING A CHART USING PICTORIALLY PROVIDED CHARTELEMENTS,” now U.S. Pat. No. 8,638,333, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/445,393, filed Jun. 1, 2006, entitled“MODIFYING AND FORMATTING A CHART USING PICTORIALLY PROVIDED CHARTELEMENTS,” now U.S. Pat. No. 8,605,090, of which the disclosures areincorporated herein, in their entirety, by reference.

BACKGROUND

Modifying a chart is a process for assisting a user to create or modifya standard chart into a customized chart using a series of visual chartelements representing how the standard chart can be changed. In somesituations, when creating a chart the user normally has a preconceivednotion of how a chart should be displayed. For example, the user maydesire to create a chart for graphing various plotted points on an X andY axis with each axis labeled. The user may also desire that each set ofpoints be displayed in a different color and with a name associated witheach set. However, the user may not know how to create such a chartbecause the user may be unfamiliar with the intricacies of the chartingsoftware, which leads to frustration by the user. It is with respect tothese and other considerations that the present invention has been made.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended asan aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Embodiments for modifying a chart are provided. A standard chart may bereceived by a computing device. A chart element representing a chartmodification for use in changing the standard chart may then be providedpictorially by the computing device. The standard chart may then bemodified by the computing device using the chart element through thepresentation of a first gallery representing a feature of the standardchart for possible modification. The feature may include a horizontalaxis title and a vertical axis title. The standard chart may be furthermodified by receiving a selection of the vertical axis title forpossible modification from the first gallery. The computing device maythen present a set of visual representations of how the vertical axistitle could be modified in a second gallery. The set of visualrepresentations may include a visual representation to not display anaxis title and a visual representation to display the axis title in arotated orientation. One of the visual representations may then beselected to modify the standard chart. Finally, the modified chart maybe displayed by the computing device.

These and other features and advantages will be apparent from a readingof the following detailed description and a review of the associateddrawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following detailed description are illustrative onlyand are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this disclosure, illustrate various embodiments of the presentinvention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a networked operating environment where embodimentsmay be practiced;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method for modifying a chart, in accordancewith an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method for modifying a chart, in accordancewith another embodiment;

FIG. 4 shows a user interface for modifying a chart, in accordance withan embodiment;

FIGS. 5A-5E show illustrative user interface galleries for modifying achart, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram of a computing device with whichvarious embodiments may be practiced;

FIG. 7A is a simplified block diagram of a mobile computing device withwhich various embodiments may be practiced;

FIG. 7B is a simplified block diagram of a mobile computing device withwhich various embodiments may be practiced; and

FIG. 8 is a simplified block diagram of a distributed computing systemin which various embodiments may be practiced.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings.Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawingsand the following description to refer to the same or similar elements.While embodiments of the invention may be described, modifications,adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example,substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elementsillustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may bemodified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosedmethods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limitthe invention. Instead, the proper scope of the invention is defined bythe appended claims.

Embodiments for modifying a chart are provided. A standard chart may bereceived by a computing device. A chart element representing a chartmodification for use in changing the standard chart may then be providedpictorially by the computing device. The standard chart may then bemodified by the computing device using the chart element through thepresentation of a first gallery representing a feature of the standardchart for possible modification. The feature may include a horizontalaxis title and a vertical axis title. The standard chart may be furthermodified by receiving a selection of the vertical axis title forpossible modification from the first gallery. The computing device maythen present a set of visual representations of how the vertical axistitle could be modified in a second gallery. The set of visualrepresentations may include a visual representation to not display anaxis title and a visual representation to display the axis title in arotated orientation. One of the visual representations may then beselected to modify the standard chart. Finally, the modified chart maybe displayed by the computing device.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a networked system 100 is illustrated whereexample embodiments may be implemented. The networked system 100 mayinclude a server 102, a server 104 which manages a database 106, adocument 108 which may be created, edited and displayed using a desktopcomputer 112, and a laptop computer 114 that may be used to create, editand display chart 116.

The networked environment 100 may transmit and receive data to and fromother computing devices such as the server 102, the desktop computer112, and the laptop computer 114. Various types of data may be created,edited and processed within a chart associated with document 108 andchart 116. Exchanged data may include, for example, graphs, schedulinginformation, mathematical calculations or the like. Furthermore,networked environment 100 may transmit or receive data to a storagesystem 106, which is managed by server 104. Other computing devices mayparticipate in this networked system as well, and devices such as thedesktop computer 112 may be used as a standalone device.

Computing devices connected to the networked environment 100 maycommunicate over network(s) 110. Network(s) 110 may include one or morenetworks. The network(s) 110 may include a secure network such as anenterprise network, or an unsecure network such as a wireless opennetwork. By way of example, and not limitation, the network(s) mayinclude wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection,and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wirelessmedia.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a routine 200 for modifying achart, in accordance with an embodiment. When reading the discussion ofthe routines presented herein, it should be appreciated that the logicaloperations of various embodiments of the present invention areimplemented (1) as a sequence of computer implemented acts or programmodules running on a computing system and/or (2) as interconnectedmachine logical circuits or circuit modules within the computing system.The implementation is a matter of choice dependent on the performancerequirements of the computing system implementing the invention.Accordingly, the logical operations illustrated in FIGS. 2-3 and makingup the various embodiments described herein are referred to variously asoperations, structural devices, acts or modules. It will be recognizedby one skilled in the art that these operations, structural devices,acts and modules may be implemented in software, in hardware, infirmware, in special purpose digital logic, and any combination thereofwithout deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention asrecited within the claims set forth herein.

The routine 200 begins at operation 205, where an application executingon a computing device (e.g., the desktop computer 112 or the laptopcomputer 114 of FIG. 1) may receive a standard chart.

From operation 205, the routine 200 continues to operation 210, wherethe application executing on the computing device, may provide one ormore chart elements and/or one or more art objects for modifying thestandard chart received at operation 210. In one embodiment, chartelements may be provided pictorially (e.g., as an icon) in a chartribbon and may represent a particular chart modification for use inchanging the standard chart. In one embodiment, art objects may beprovided in a chart ribbon and may represent adding or editing drawings,text and pictures to modify a standard chart.

From operation 210, the routine 200 continues to operation 215, wherethe application executing on the computing device, may receive an inputfor selecting a chart element and/or an art object provided at operation210. For example, a user may select a chart element for modifying one ormore axis labels on a standard chart.

From operation 215, the routine 200 continues to operation 220, wherethe application executing on the computing device, may modify thestandard chart based on the chart element and/or art object selected atoperation 215. For example, upon selecting the chart element, theapplication may present the user with one or more galleries whichdisplay options for modifying various chart features. Upon a userselection of one or more of the displayed options, the application maymodify the various chart features. An illustrative routine discussingthe modification of a standard chart (in accordance with an embodiment)will be described in greater detail below with respect to FIG. 3. Asanother example, upon a user selection of an art object, the applicationmay modify the standard chart by adding and editing at least one drawingelement, adding and editing text or adding and editing at least onepicture.

From operation 220, the routine 200 continues to operation 225, wherethe application executing on the computing device, may display themodified chart. From operation 225, the routine 200 then ends.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a routine 300 for modifying achart, in accordance with another embodiment. The routine 300 begins atoperation 305, where an application executing on a computing device(e.g., the desktop computer 112 or the laptop computer 114 of FIG. 1)present a gallery representing a chart feature for possible modificationto a user. For example, the user may be presented with a galleryrepresenting a horizontal axis title and a vertical axis title for achart.

From operation 305, the routine 300 continues to operation 310, wherethe application executing on the computing device, may receive aselection of a chart feature from the gallery presented at operation305. For example, the application may receive a selection of thevertical axis title feature for modifying the vertical axis title of achart.

From operation 310, the routine 300 continues to operation 315, wherethe application executing on the computing device, may present a set ofvisual representations for possible modification of the chart featureselected at operation 310 in a second gallery. For example, the set ofvisual representations may include a visual representation to notdisplay a (vertical) axis title and a visual representation to displaythe (vertical) axis title in a rotated orientation on the chart.

From operation 315, the routine 300 continues to operation 320, wherethe application executing on the computing device, may receive aselection of one of the visual representations presented at operation315 to modify the standard chart. From operation 320, the routine 300then ends.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary user interface 400 for use inconjunction with a computing device (e.g., one of the computing devices112 and 114 of FIG. 1), according to one embodiment. The user interface400 includes a chart ribbon toolbar 402. Within the chart ribbon toolbar402 are displayed a series of chart element gallery commands 404, 414,424, 434, 444, 454 and 464 for use by a user to modify a standard chart.For example, gallery command 404 may be utilized to modify a charttitle, gallery command 414 may be utilized to modify a chart legend,gallery command 424 may be utilized to modify chart data labels, gallerycommand 434 may be utilized to modify chart axis labels, gallery command444 may be utilized to modify chart gridlines, gallery command 454 maybe utilized to modify chart axes and gallery command 464 may be utilizedto modify other chart elements (which are discussed in greater detailbelow). The chart ribbon toolbar 402 further includes a series of artobjects 470, 472 and 474 for use by the user to add and edit drawingelements, text and pictures, respectively. In addition, the chart ribbontoolbar 402 provides the user with tooltips 480 for use by the user toreceive help on chart formatting.

FIGS. 5A-5E show exemplary chart gallery structures for use inconjunction with the chart ribbon toolbar 402, according to oneembodiment. For instance, upon selecting the gallery command 434, agallery 504 representing possible modifications associated with a chartelement (Axis Labels) may be presented to the user. For example, thegallery 504 presents the user with an option 506 to modify a horizontal(X) Axis title, an option 508 to modify a vertical (Y) Axis title and anoption 510 to modify a depth (Z) Axis title. If the user selects, forexample, the option 506 to modify the horizontal (X) Axis title, theuser is presented with a set of visual representations 514-520 of howthe horizontal (X) Axis title could be modified in a second gallery 512which may include, for example, visual representation 514 to not displayan axis title, visual representation 516 to display the axis title belowa horizontal (i.e., X Axis) and resize the chart, visual representation518 to overlay a horizontal axis title on the chart without resizing thechart and visual representation 520 to select more title options (notshown). Accordingly, the user may desire to place the title for the XAxis below the axis by selecting the visual representation 510.

If the user selects, for example, the option 508 to modify the vertical(Y) Axis title, the user is presented with a set of visualrepresentations 524-532 of how the vertical (Y) Axis title could bemodified in a third gallery 522 which may include, for example, visualrepresentation 524 to not display an axis title, visual representation526 to display a rotated axis title and resize the chart, visualrepresentation 528 to display an axis title with vertical text andresize the chart, visual representation 530 to display an axis titlehorizontally without resizing the chart and visual representation 532 toselect more title options (not shown). It should be understood that theuser may also utilize other galleries associated with the gallerycommands 404 (Chart Title), 414 (Legend), 424 (Data Labels), 444(Gridlines), 454 (Axis) and 464 (More Elements).

Illustrative galleries associated with the aforementioned gallerycommands are shown in FIGS. 5B-5D. For example, FIG. 5B shows galleries535 and 545 from which a user may select visual representations formodifying a chart title and a legend for a chart, respectively. FIG. 5Cshows a gallery 555 from which a user may select visual representationsfor modifying data labels for a chart and also shows galleries 560, 565and 570 from which a user may select visual representations formodifying chart gridlines. FIG. 5D shows galleries 575, 580 and 585 fromwhich a user may select visual representations for modifying chart axes.FIG. 5E shows galleries 590, 594 and 598 from which a user may selectvisual representations for modifying other chart elements such as datatables, trend lines, error bars, lines, up/down bars, plot area, chartwall and chart floor.

FIGS. 6-8 and the associated descriptions provide a discussion of avariety of operating environments in which embodiments of the inventionmay be practiced. However, the devices and systems illustrated anddiscussed with respect to FIGS. 6-8 are for purposes of example andillustration and are not limiting of a vast number of computing deviceconfigurations that may be utilized for practicing embodiments of theinvention, described herein.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating example physical components of acomputing device 600 with which various embodiments may be practiced. Ina basic configuration, the computing device 600 may include at least oneprocessing unit 602 and a system memory 604. Depending on theconfiguration and type of computing device, system memory 604 maycomprise, but is not limited to, volatile (e.g. random access memory(RAM)), non-volatile (e.g. read-only memory (ROM)), flash memory, or anycombination. System memory 604 may include an operating system 605 andapplication 607. Operating system 605, for example, may be suitable forcontrolling the computing device 600's operation and, in accordance withan embodiment, may comprise the WINDOWS operating systems from MICROSOFTCORPORATION of Redmond, Wash.

The application 607, for example, may comprise functionality forperforming routines including, for example, modifying a chart, asdescribed above with respect to the operations in routines 200 and 300of FIGS. 2 and 3. In accordance with an embodiment, the application 607may comprise one or more program modules such as, for example, adocument management application for receiving a document or chart. Theprogram modules may also include a chart formatting display applicationfor visually providing chart modifying elements to a user. Other programmodules that may be used in accordance with the embodiments describedherein may include electronic mail and contacts applications, wordprocessing applications, spreadsheet applications, databaseapplications, slide presentation applications, drawing or computer-aidedapplication programs, etc. It should further be understood, however,that the embodiments described herein may also be practiced inconjunction with other application programs and program modules andfurther, are not limited to any particular application or system.

The computing device 600 may have additional features or functionality.For example, the computing device 600 may also include additional datastorage devices (removable and/or non-removable) such as, for example,magnetic disks, optical disks, solid state storage devices (“SSD”),flash memory or tape. Such additional storage is illustrated in FIG. 6by a removable storage 609 and a non-removable storage 610. Thecomputing device 600 may also have input device(s) 612 such as akeyboard, a mouse, a pen, a sound input device (e.g., a microphone), atouch input device for receiving gestures, an accelerometer orrotational sensor, etc. Output device(s) 614 such as a display,speakers, a printer, etc. may also be included. The aforementioneddevices are examples and others may be used. The computing device 600may include one or more communication connections 616 allowingcommunications with other computing devices 618. Examples of suitablecommunication connections 616 include, but are not limited to, RFtransmitter, receiver, and/or transceiver circuitry; universal serialbus (USB), parallel, and/or serial ports.

Furthermore, various embodiments may be practiced in an electricalcircuit comprising discrete electronic elements, packaged or integratedelectronic chips containing logic gates, a circuit utilizing amicroprocessor, or on a single chip containing electronic elements ormicroprocessors. For example, various embodiments may be practiced via asystem-on-a-chip (“SOC”) where each or many of the componentsillustrated in FIG. 6 may be integrated onto a single integratedcircuit. Such an SOC device may include one or more processing units,graphics units, communications units, system virtualization units andvarious application functionality all of which are integrated (or“burned”) onto the chip substrate as a single integrated circuit. Whenoperating via an SOC, the functionality, described herein may operatevia application-specific logic integrated with other components of thecomputing device/system 600 on the single integrated circuit (chip).Embodiments may also be practiced using other technologies capable ofperforming logical operations such as, for example, AND, OR, and NOT,including but not limited to mechanical, optical, fluidic, and quantumtechnologies. In addition, embodiments may be practiced within a generalpurpose computer or in any other circuits or systems.

The term computer readable media as used herein may include computerstorage media. Computer storage media may include volatile andnonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any methodor technology for storage of information, such as computer readableinstructions, data structures, or program modules. The system memory604, the removable storage device 609, and the non-removable storagedevice 610 are all computer storage media examples (i.e., memorystorage.) Computer storage media may include RAM, ROM, electricallyerasable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memorytechnology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other opticalstorage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage orother magnetic storage devices, or any other article of manufacturewhich can be used to store information and which can be accessed by thecomputing device 600. Any such computer storage media may be part of thecomputing device 600. Computer storage media does not include a carrierwave or other propagated or modulated data signal.

Communication media may be embodied by computer readable instructions,data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated datasignal, such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, andincludes any information delivery media. The term “modulated datasignal” may describe a signal that has one or more characteristics setor changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. Byway of example, and not limitation, communication media may includewired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, andwireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF), infrared, andother wireless media.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a suitable mobile computing environment, forexample, a mobile computing device 750 which may include, withoutlimitation, a smartphone, a tablet personal computer, a laptop computer,and the like, with which various embodiments may be practiced. Withreference to FIG. 7A, an example mobile computing device 750 forimplementing the embodiments is illustrated. In a basic configuration,mobile computing device 750 is a handheld computer having both inputelements and output elements. Input elements may include touch screendisplay 725 and input buttons 710 that allow the user to enterinformation into mobile computing device 750. Mobile computing device750 may also incorporate an optional side input element 720 allowingfurther user input. Optional side input element 720 may be a rotaryswitch, a button, or any other type of manual input element. Inalternative embodiments, mobile computing device 750 may incorporatemore or less input elements. In yet another alternative embodiment, themobile computing device is a portable telephone system, such as acellular phone having display 725 and input buttons 710. Mobilecomputing device 750 may also include an optional keypad 794. Optionalkeypad 794 may be a physical keypad or a “soft” keypad generated on thetouch screen display. FIG. 7B also includes a peripheral device port792.

Mobile computing device 750 incorporates output elements, such asdisplay 725, which can display a graphical user interface (GUI). Otheroutput elements include speaker 730 and LED 780. Additionally, mobilecomputing device 750 may incorporate a vibration module (not shown),which causes mobile computing device 750 to vibrate to notify the userof an event. In yet another embodiment, mobile computing device 750 mayincorporate a headphone jack (not shown) for providing another means ofproviding output signals.

Although described herein in combination with mobile computing device750, in alternative embodiments may be used in combination with anynumber of computer systems, such as in desktop environments, laptop ornotebook computer systems, multiprocessor systems, micro-processor basedor programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, mini computers, mainframe computers and the like. Various embodiments may also be practicedin distributed computing environments where tasks are performed byremote processing devices that are linked through a communicationsnetwork in a distributed computing environment; programs may be locatedin both local and remote memory storage devices. To summarize, anycomputer system having a plurality of environment sensors, a pluralityof output elements to provide notifications to a user and a plurality ofnotification event types may incorporate the various embodimentsdescribed herein.

FIG. 7B is a block diagram illustrating components of a mobile computingdevice used in one embodiment, such as the mobile computing device 750shown in FIG. 7A. That is, mobile computing device 750 can incorporate asystem 702 to implement some embodiments. For example, system 702 can beused in implementing a “smartphone” that can run one or moreapplications similar to those of a desktop or notebook computer. In someembodiments, the system 702 is integrated as a computing device, such asan integrated personal digital assistant (PDA) and wireless phone.

Application 767 may be loaded into memory 762 and run on or inassociation with an operating system 764. The system 702 also includesnon-volatile storage 768 within memory the 762. Non-volatile storage 768may be used to store persistent information that should not be lost ifsystem 702 is powered down. The application 767 may use and storeinformation in the non-volatile storage 768. The application 767, forexample, may comprise functionality for performing routines including,for example, modifying a chart, as described above with respect to theoperations in routines 200 and 300 of FIGS. 2 and 3. A synchronizationapplication (not shown) also resides on system 702 and is programmed tointeract with a corresponding synchronization application resident on ahost computer to keep the information stored in the non-volatile storage768 synchronized with corresponding information stored at the hostcomputer. As should be appreciated, other applications may also beloaded into the memory 762 and run on the mobile computing device 750.

The system 702 has a power supply 770, which may be implemented as oneor more batteries. The power supply 770 might further include anexternal power source, such as an AC adapter or a powered docking cradlethat supplements or recharges the batteries.

The system 702 may also include a radio 772 (i.e., radio interfacelayer) that performs the function of transmitting and receiving radiofrequency communications. The radio 772 facilitates wirelessconnectivity between the system 702 and the “outside world,” via acommunications carrier or service provider. Transmissions to and fromthe radio 772 are conducted under control of OS 764. In other words,communications received by the radio 772 may be disseminated to theapplication 767 via OS 764, and vice versa.

The radio 772 allows the system 702 to communicate with other computingdevices, such as over a network. The radio 772 is one example ofcommunication media. The embodiment of the system 702 is shown with twotypes of notification output devices: the LED 780 that can be used toprovide visual notifications and an audio interface 774 that can be usedwith speaker 730 to provide audio notifications. These devices may bedirectly coupled to the power supply 770 so that when activated, theyremain on for a duration dictated by the notification mechanism eventhough processor 760 and other components might shut down for conservingbattery power. The LED 780 may be programmed to remain on indefinitelyuntil the user takes action to indicate the powered-on status of thedevice. The audio interface 774 is used to provide audible signals toand receive audible signals from the user. For example, in addition tobeing coupled to speaker 730, the audio interface 774 may also becoupled to a microphone (not shown) to receive audible (e.g., voice)input, such as to facilitate a telephone conversation. In accordancewith embodiments, the microphone may also serve as an audio sensor tofacilitate control of notifications. The system 702 may further includea video interface 776 that enables an operation of on-board camera 740to record still images, video streams, and the like.

A mobile computing device implementing the system 702 may haveadditional features or functionality. For example, the device may alsoinclude additional data storage devices (removable and/or non-removable)such as, magnetic disks, optical disks, or tape. Such additional storageis illustrated in FIG. 7B by storage 768.

Data/information generated or captured by the mobile computing device750 and stored via the system 702 may be stored locally on the mobilecomputing device 750, as described above, or the data may be stored onany number of storage media that may be accessed by the device via theradio 772 or via a wired connection between the mobile computing device750 and a separate computing device associated with the mobile computingdevice 750, for example, a server computer in a distributed computingnetwork such as the Internet. As should be appreciated suchdata/information may be accessed via the mobile computing device 750 viathe radio 772 or via a distributed computing network. Similarly, suchdata/information may be readily transferred between computing devicesfor storage and use according to well-known data/information transferand storage means, including electronic mail and collaborativedata/information sharing systems.

FIG. 8 is a simplified block diagram of a distributed computing systemin which various embodiments may be practiced. The distributed computingsystem may include number of client devices such as a computing device803, a tablet computing device 805 and a mobile computing device 810.The client devices 803, 805 and 810 may be in communication with adistributed computing network 815 (e.g., the Internet). A server 820 isin communication with the client devices 803, 805 and 810 over thenetwork 815. The server 820 may store application 800 which may beperform routines including, for example, modifying a chart, as describedabove with respect to the operations in routines 200 and 300 of FIGS. 2and 3. Content developed, interacted with, or edited in association withthe application 800 may be stored in different communication channels orother storage types. For example, various documents may be stored usinga directory service 822, a web portal 824, a mailbox service 826, aninstant messaging store 828, or a social networking site 830.

The application 800 may use any of these types of systems or the likefor enabling data utilization, as described herein. The server 820 mayprovide the application 800 to clients. As one example, the server 820may be a web server providing the application 800 over the web. Theserver 820 may provide the application 800 over the web to clientsthrough the network 815. Any of the embodiments of the computing devices803, 805 and 810 may obtain content from the store 816.

Various embodiments are described above with reference to block diagramsand/or operational illustrations of methods, systems, and computerprogram products. The functions/acts noted in the blocks may occur outof the order as shown in any flow diagram. For example, two blocks shownin succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or theblocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending uponthe functionality/acts involved.

The description and illustration of one or more embodiments provided inthis application are not intended to limit or restrict the scope of theinvention as claimed in any way. The embodiments, examples, and detailsprovided in this application are considered sufficient to conveypossession and enable others to make and use the best mode of claimedinvention. The claimed invention should not be construed as beinglimited to any embodiment, example, or detail provided in thisapplication. Regardless of whether shown and described in combination orseparately, the various features (both structural and methodological)are intended to be selectively included or omitted to produce anembodiment with a particular set of features. Having been provided withthe description and illustration of the present application, one skilledin the art may envision variations, modifications, and alternateembodiments falling within the spirit of the broader aspects of thegeneral inventive concept embodied in this application that do notdepart from the broader scope of the claimed invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving, by a computingdevice comprising a memory storage and a processing unit, a standardchart; providing, by the computing device, a chart element pictorially,the chart element representing a chart modification for use in changingthe standard chart; modifying, by the computing device, the standardchart with the chart element, by: presenting a first galleryrepresenting a feature of the standard chart for possible modification,wherein the feature of the standard chart for possible modificationcomprises a horizontal axis title and a vertical axis title; receiving aselection of the vertical axis title for possible modification from thefirst gallery; presenting with a set of visual representations of howthe vertical axis title could be modified in a second gallery, the setof visual representations comprising at least the following: a visualrepresentation to not display an axis title and a visual representationto display the axis title in a rotated orientation; and receiving aselection of one of the visual representations to modify the standardchart; and displaying, by the computing device, the modified chart. 2.The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving an input forselecting the chart element.
 3. The method of claim 2, whereinmodifying, by the computing device, the standard chart with the chartelement further comprises modifying the standard chart based on thereceived input.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein modifying the standardchart with the chart element further comprises providing at least oneart object residing in a chart ribbon to modify the standard chart byadding and editing at least one drawing element.
 5. The method of claim1, wherein modifying the standard chart with the chart element furthercomprises providing at least one art object residing in a chart ribbonto modify the standard chart by adding and editing text.
 6. The methodof claim 1, wherein modifying the standard chart with the chart elementfurther comprises providing at least one art object residing in a chartribbon to modify the standard chart by adding and editing at least onepicture.
 7. A system comprising a processor in electronic communicationwith a memory storage, the memory storage housing instructions that,when executed cause the system to: receive a standard chart; provide achart element pictorially in a chart ribbon; modify the standard chart,wherein the processing unit is further operative to: present a firstgallery representing a feature of the standard chart for possiblemodification, wherein the feature of the standard chart for possiblemodification comprises a horizontal axis title and a vertical axistitle; receive a selection of the vertical axis title from the firstgallery; present a set of visual representations of how the verticalaxis title could be modified in a second gallery, the set of visualrepresentations comprising at least the following: a visualrepresentation to not display an axis title and a visual representationto display the axis title in a rotated orientation; and receive aselection of one of the visual representations to modify the standardchart; and display the modified chart; and a display device fordisplaying the modified chart.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein theprocessing unit is further operative to receive an input for selectingthe chart element.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the standard chartis modified based on the received input.
 10. The system of claim 7,wherein the processing unit is associated with a server.
 11. The systemof claim 7, wherein the processing unit is associated with a client-sidedevice.
 12. The system of claim 7, wherein the processing unit, inmodifying the standard chart with the chart element, is furtheroperative to provide at least one art object in the chart ribbon tomodify the standard chart by adding and editing at least one drawingelement.
 13. The system of claim 7, wherein the processing unit, inmodifying the standard chart with the chart element, is furtheroperative to provide at least one art object in the chart ribbon tomodify the standard chart by adding and editing text.
 14. The system ofclaim 7, wherein the processing unit, in modifying the standard chartwith the chart element, is further operative to provide at least one artobject in the chart ribbon to modify the standard chart by adding andediting at least one picture.
 15. A system comprising a processor inelectronic communication with a memory storage, the memory storagehousing instructions that, when executing perform a method, the methodcomprising: receiving a standard chart; providing a chart elementpictorially, the chart element representing a chart modification for usein changing the standard chart; receiving an input for selecting thechart element; modifying the standard chart with the chart element, by:presenting a first gallery representing a feature of the standard chartfor possible modification, wherein the feature of the standard chart forpossible modification comprises a horizontal axis title and a verticalaxis title; receiving a selection of the vertical axis title forpossible modification from the first gallery; presenting a set of visualrepresentations of how the vertical axis title could be modified in asecond gallery, the set of visual representations comprising at leastthe following: a visual representation to not display an axis title anda visual representation to display the axis title in a rotatedorientation; and receiving a selection of one of the visualrepresentations to modify the standard chart; and displaying themodified chart.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein modifying thestandard chart with the chart element further comprises modifying thestandard chart based on the received input.
 17. The system of claim 15,wherein modifying the standard chart with the chart element furthercomprises providing at least one art object residing in a chart ribbonto modify the standard chart by adding at least one drawing element. 18.The system of claim 15, wherein modifying the standard chart with thechart element further comprises providing at least one art objectresiding in a chart ribbon to modify the standard chart by editing atleast one drawing element.
 19. The system of claim 15, wherein modifyingthe standard chart with the chart element further comprises providing atleast one art object residing in a chart ribbon to modify the standardchart by adding and editing text.
 20. The system of claim 15, whereinmodifying the standard chart with the chart element further comprisesproviding at least one art object residing in a chart ribbon to modifythe standard chart by adding and editing at least one picture.